Before hiring your wedding photographer, you may want to . . .

Before hiring your wedding photographer, you may want to . . .

1. Measure their experience not so much by the nice camera they have, but by the number of weddings they have photo¬graphed. We’re at 3,000 and counting.

2. Consider that, while you might think it’s a nice gesture for your photographer to meet you at Starbucks, the real reason for doing so may be because they aren’t exactly proud of their “basement studio.” We’re proud to meet you where we work.

3. Consider that it’s not just the camera that’s important. It’s a keen understanding of lighting, composition, background selection and posing techniques that turn technology into art. These skills can only come from years of experience. We’re at 39 years and counting.

4. Look elsewhere if a photographer shows you a sample album from multiple weddings. You are only being shown what they believe to be their best work. Ask to look at the actual albums that their clients received. We will show you the albums of several of our clients as well as samples from your wedding venue.

5. Make sure your photographer is from the area instead of an 800 number “studio.” If they’re not from here, how could they possibly know where the best spots are in the Cleveland area? We’ve been here long enough to know them all.

6. Consider whether you want someone who is still learning his profession photographing, of all things, your wedding. There are no do-overs, just plenty of regrets. We’re a sure thing.

7. Keep your distance from the “we do it all studios” (i.e. DJ, lighting, video, photobooth; in other words, Jack of all Trades, master of none). You’ll find these same studios searching on Craig’s List for unemployed freelancers to shoot, of all things, your wedding. To this we say, “Yikes!” And what happens if the freelancer gets the flu?

8. Thank your family friend for offering to shoot your wedding, and politely decline. They can’t possibly have any experience, and their “really good” digital camera with a $100.00 lens, is no match for our professional equipment that we have spent years investing in. And, what camera will they use as a back-up if something happens? Their cell phone?

9. Make sure your photographer has a back up plan for bad weather. Our studio features a spacious camera room with dozens of backgrounds as well as a covered pavilion outdoors so you’ll still have the wonderful images you want.

10. Consider that your relationship with your photographer should be a lasting one. Couples and family members make special requests and order albums or prints months, sometimes years after a wedding. We’ll be there for you to fulfill these requests. Yes, 39 years in the photography business is a long time. But really, who would you prefer? The surgeon with two knee replacements under his belt, or the surgeon who’s done thousands? We’re not old, we’re just really, really good. Like your parents before you, your wedding photographs will be a part of your legacy, a family treasure for future generations. Shouldn’t that legacy be much better than average?